Definition:
An overview of the previously published research on a topic
A collection of studies on the topic being investigated
“An academic book report”
Your literature reviews will be written in American Psychological Association (APA) style, 7th edition.
Why Conduct a Literature Review?
Provides most relevant theories and studies on your topic
Establishes the context for your research.
Identifies gaps and areas for further study.
1.) Define Your Topic
Clearly articulate the research question or topic.
2.) Search (PubMed) for Relevant Literature
Use academic databases, libraries, and credible sources.
3.) Review and Select Sources
Evaluate the quality and relevance of each source.
4.) Organize and Summarize
Categorize sources and summarize key points.
5.) Identify Gaps and Trends
Note areas lacking research or emerging patterns.
Introduction
One paragraph or up to 1.5 pages
Introduce topic under investigation
Explain significance of topic
Describe the structure of of the literature review itself
Body
Background information (e.g. definitions, history, etc.)
Group studies via themes, trends, approaches etc.
Point out any flaws, gaps, or inconsistencies you noticed in the literature
Conclusion
Summarize major studies guiding your review
Point out any connections or gaps you’ve discovered in the literature
Explicitly state your hypothesis
Be clear and consistent with your vocabulary
Provide a clear structure: introduction, body, conclusion.
Use proper citation and referencing (APA 7th edition)
Not using peer-reviewed sources
Not including recent sources
Not providing a clear connection between studies cited
Failure to connect sources to research question
Why Are Literature Reviews Important?
They contribute to the existing body of knowledge
They guide future research directions
Most literature reviews are organized by theme.
Some authors may provide a chronological or methodological organization.
Once you find all of your papers, you will begin to see what your organization may look like.
Practical Reading Strategies:
Highlight, underline, and annotate
Consider building a table of findings (or checklist) you want to include in your paper.
Remember read backwards - Findings and discussion have all the good stuff!
Many guides to writing a literature review suggest you summarize AND synthesize the the findings.
Students biggest problem when first trying to write a literature review is that they often just summarize.
Summarization ≠ Synthesis
Synthesize: combine separate elements to form a whole.